Salford City 1 St Helens Town 2 AFTER the mid week disappointment of picking up only a point despite outplaying highly rated Newcastle Town, Saturday's maximum haul at Salford was most welcome.

And it was highly commendable, given the several enforced changes and the fact that the hosts had beaten Prescot four-nil in midweek.

Only Paul Kirwan was available from Wednesday's back line as Walmsley, Lowe, Donlan and the on-loan Bell missed the Salford trip so it was a major headache for boss Jimmy McBride. But his squad measured up efficiently and with Walker dropping back to accompany Kirwan and Williams, the tight unit was maintained.

A bright autumnal sunset was Town's initial problem as they kicked off after skipper for the day Chris Quirk had lost the toss and Salford's Gardner darted among the elongated shadows and should have done better on a couple of occasions. Town however, settled and took the lead in the 10th minute when Pennington heeded Mick Gilmore's positive 'call' and the midfielder smacked a beauty beyond keeper Bennett's despairing left hand.

Salford replied with the bursts of Hughes and a couple of corner kicks tested Town's defence but they held firm but were grateful in the 26th minute for a glaring miss by Taylor with Hughes again the provider. By now the difficult sun had set and Town began to look the more likely and O'Neil put his effort the wrong side of the far post following good work by Pennington but with two minutes to the interval, he enjoyed greater success. Kirwan instigated the move from deep which involved Brady and Gilmore and Steve O'Neil burst down the inside left channel to tuck the ball past the keeper's advance and into the bottom corner with McIntosh chasing in vain to clear as it crossed the line.

Town made the worst possible start to the second half when conceding within 20 seconds as Peter Oldbury accepted a simple chance after the unfortunate Paul Kirwan had lost his footing in trying to cut out Loughlin's chip. From a position of comfort Town now had to be on their mettle as Salford sensed a major revival but it was not to be as Town simply worked hard with Williams, Walker and Kirwan showing fine anticipation at the back. Shots from McIntosh and Gardner were noteworthy but didn't trouble Mike Allison whose clearances sent Town on the counter on several occasions.

Town now have a series of home games to come and are hoping for good local support in response to their efforts when they face Haslingden at Hoghton Road on Saturday 3pm followed by the visit of Chadderton in the floodlit trophy (Wednesday December 3. 7.30pm) Admission charges £2 adults, £1 concessions.

Lottery numbers were 4, 6, 12, 13, 14, 16. No winners. This week's draw is for £450 on numbers 1 to 19.

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